Internship in Counseling

Internship in Counseling

MHCK 595.110, Spring 2016

Instructor: Bill LaBauve EDD, LPC
Class Meetings: Tues 5:30-7pm Warrior Hall 303B
Office: Warrior Hall 318-G Email: Office phone: 254-702-6585
Course Web Page:
Office hours: by appointment

Course Overview

The purpose of MHCK 595 is to help students implement counseling skills into counseling practice. Major emphasis is placed on the student’s involvement in successful practices at the educational level of interest. Students have met all academic and professional standards of practice before placement. During Internship students are required to complete 600 clock hours in no less than 2 and no more than 3 semesters of fieldwork experience, of which at least 240 are direct client contact. Weekly supervision is provided by the on-site supervisor and the faculty supervisor.In a long semester students must accrue no less than 90 hours of direct contact; in the summer semester the minimum for direct contact hours is 60.

CACREP Standards

CACREP standards can be viewed at CACREP stipulates that certain standards must be met for accreditation and this course addresses several of those standards. CACREP stresses the importance of professional ethics and values, as well as skills and knowledge in the use of technology, and a commitment to multicultural competence and awareness

SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATIONS AND SUPPORT

A. Program faculty members serving as individual or group practicum/internship supervisors must have the following:

A doctoral degree and/or appropriate counseling preparation, preferably from a CACREP-accredited CMHC Program.
Relevant experience and appropriate credentials/licensure and/or demonstrated competence in counseling.
Relevant supervision training and experience.

B. Site supervisors must have the following qualifications:

A minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or a related profession with equivalent qualifications, including appropriate certifications and/or licenses.
A minimum of two years of pertinent professional experience in the program area in which the student is enrolled.
Knowledge of the program’s expectations, requirements, and evaluation procedures for students.
Relevant training in counseling supervision.

C. Orientation, assistance, consultation, and professional development opportunities are provided by counseling program faculty to site supervisors.

D. Supervision contracts for each student are developed to define the roles and responsibilities of the faculty supervisor, site supervisor, and student during practicum and internship.

INTERNSHIP

III.G. The program requires completion of a supervised internship in the student’s designated program area of 600 clock hours, begun after successful completion of the practicum. The internship is intended to reflect the comprehensive work experiences of a professional counselor appropriate to the designated program area. Each student’s internship includes all of the following:

At least 240 clock hours of direct services, including experience leading groups.
Weekly interaction that averages one hour per week of individual and/or triadic supervision throughout the internship, usually performed by the onsite supervisor.
An average of 1 ½ hours per week of group supervision provided on a regular schedule throughout the internship and performed by a program faculty member.
The opportunity for the student to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources in addition to direct service (e.g., record keeping, assessment instruments, supervision, information and referral, in-service and staff meetings).
The opportunity for the student to develop program-appropriate audio/video recordings for use in supervision or to receive live supervision of his or her interactions with clients.
Evaluation of the student’s counseling performance throughout the internship including documentation of a formal evaluation after the student completes the internship by a program faculty member in consultation with the site supervisor.

Relation to CACREP Curricular Standards (Section II.G) and CMHC Standards: This course is designed to fulfill multiple CACREP standards regarding common core curricular experiences and demonstrated knowledge in eight common core curricular areas and to provide learning experiences relevant in particular to CACREP standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Course Objective: Students will…

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will…

Assessment

Demonstrate a strong professional orientation, professional dispositions, and a clearly defined professional identity as a clinical mental health counselor.

/ Review the ethical guidelines of the ACA, one other professional organization, and state law related to the practice of counseling (CACREP II.G.1.j, CMHC A.2, B.1). / Portfolio #3

Engage in professional and ethical conduct when working with clients, supervisors, and colleagues (CACREP II.G.1.j, CMHC A.2, B.1).

CCS-2A, 2B, 3B, 3C

Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of their belief systems and the influence of their beliefs on the counseling process (CACREP II.G.2.d, CMHC E.2)

CCS-2C

Accurately assess their own strengths and limitations as a counselor and identify specific areas for work and improvement (CMHC D9)

CCS-2C;

Portfolio #5

Demonstrate emotional stability and appropriateness in interpersonal interactions.

CCS-2D

Actively engage in their development as counselors.

CCS-2E

Portfolio

Incorporate multicultural theories and multicultural counseling competencies in working with diverse populations. (CACREP II.G.2.d, CMHC D.2, D.5, E.1, E.2, E.3, E.5, F.3)

CCS-2F;

Portfolio #8

Be receptive to supervisory feedback and participate in the supervision sessions (CACREP II.G.1.f)

CCS-2G

Maintain appropriate boundaries with supervisors, peers, & clients (CACREP II.G.1.j, CMHC A.2, B.1)

CCS-2H

Demonstrate the ability to flex to changing circumstance, unexpected events, and new situations.

CCS-2I

Demonstrates ability to be genuine and accepting of self and others

CCS-2J

Demonstrate use of self-care strategies appropriate to the counselor role (CACREP II.G.1.d).

CCS-2C, 2D, 2H;

Portfolio #5

Demonstrate professional behaviors that contribute to the quality of the client’s counseling experience.

Attend all class meetings and supervision sessions in their entirety. Will be prompt and engaged in the learning process (CACREP II.G.5.b).

CCS-3A

Adhere to counseling site policies and procedures (CACREP II.G.5.b). /

CCS-3B

Complete all required record keeping documentation and assigned tasks in a competent fashion (CACREP II.G.5.b). /

CCS-3C

Demonstrate knowledge of supported therapeutic approaches (CACREP II.G.8.e, CMHC D) /

CCS-3D, 3E;

Portfolio #11

Demonstrate the ability to consult and coordinate with other professionals and/or parents of clients (CACREP II.G.1b, CMHC A.3)

CCS-2B, 3A, 3G

Make an appropriate referral for persons who require services beyond those available at the site (CACREP II.G.1.b, CMHC C.2, D.1, D.9, F.1)

CCS-3J

Articulate a coherent, personalized counseling approach that is adequately based in counseling theory and research and is used in one’s actual counseling practice (CACREP II.G.5.d, CMHC A.5).

CCS-3E;

Portfolio # 15

Conceptualize clients’ situations in a way that provides constructive direction to the counseling process (CACREP II.G.5.d, CMHC C.7, G.1).

CCS-3F;

Portfolio #8

Seek appropriate consultation and supervision to support the delivery of counseling services (CACREP II.G.1.b, e, 5.f, CMHC D.1)

CCS-3G

Develop clear and useful treatment or educational plans (CMHC C.7).

CCS-3H;

Portfolio #8

Conduct intake assessments and based on this information make appropriate recommendations in accordance with the ACA Code of Ethics for counseling services (CACREP II.G.1.j, CMHC A.2, B.1, H.2).

CCS-3I

Identify resources to assist the client therapeutically during and following counseling.

/ CCS-3J;
Portfolio #12

Demonstrate the professional knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to address a wide variety of circumstances within the clinical mental health context.

Effectively convey empathy and connectiveness via nonverbal communication (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

/ CCS-1A
Effectively use minimal encouragers to support the development of the therapeutic relationship (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D). / CCS-1B

Appropriately make use of questioning in facilitating the therapeutic relationship and growth/change in counseling (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1C

Appropriately paraphrase when reflecting content in session (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1D

Appropriately reflect the emotional/affective content of client communications in session (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1E

Use advanced reflection of meaning to facilitate depth of exploration in counseling (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1F

Summarize session content (including thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and future intentions) (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1G

Challenge clients in a supportive fashion when they exhibit inconsistencies or discrepancies between their words/actions/affect (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1H

Collaborate with clients to establish appropriate goals for therapy (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-3I

Demonstrate ability (when appropriate) to focus/refocus clients on goal attainment (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1J

Express accurate empathy and care while being “present” with a client (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1K

Express appropriate respect and unconditional positive regard for clients (CACREP II.G.5.b, CMHC D).

CCS-1L

Mode of Instruction & Course Access

This course utilizes didactic teaching, group discussions, group supervision, taped sessions, and research articles. Students are evaluated through taped sessions, site supervisor’s evaluations of students, written summaries of research articles, and ability to comply a portfolio. We will begin each supervision session by addressing any clinical issues/questions students have regarding their ongoing work; then we will transition into didactic instruction and group discussion of assigned topics.

Participation

Your active participation in supervision sessions is necessary for you to meet the course objectives. Active participation requires prior preparation on your part (e.g., reading of assigned materials). If you must miss a supervision session, you will need to make up that missed supervision time. Missing more than one scheduled supervision session may result in failure of the course.

Required Reading

American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP]. (2009). 2009 standards for accreditation. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Other readings to be assigned (TBA) will be provided at no cost to you

**A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore.**

Technological Requirements

This course will use the TAMU-CT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and assessments.

Logon to to access the course.

Username: Your MyCT username (xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT e-mail address)

Initial password: Your MyCT password

For this course, you will need reliable and frequent access to a computer and to the Internet. If you do not have frequent and reliable access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider dropping this course or contact me (254-519-5759) to discuss your situation.

Blackboard supports the most common operating systems:

PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

Mac: Mac OS X Mavericks

NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO longer supported

Check browser and computer compatibility by using the “Test Your Browser” button, found in the “Check Your Browser” module on your Blackboard dashboard, once you have logged in. This is a CRITICAL step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment.

Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menubar. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this course.

Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.

* Google Chrome is the most recommended browser for the new version of BB.

Technology Support

For technological or computer issues, students should contact Help Desk Central 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Email:

Phone: (254)-519-5466

Online chat:

When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student.

For issues related to course content and requirements (or if BB kicks you out of quiz before you finish), contact me.

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic Integrity

Texas A&M University -Central Texas values the integrity of the academic enterprise and strives for the highest standards of academic conduct. A&M-Central Texas expects its students, faculty, and staff to support the adherence to high standards of personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative community. Academic integrity is defined as a commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Any deviation by students from this expectation may result in a failing grade for the assignment and potentially a failing grade for the course. Academic misconduct is any act that improperly affects a true and honest evaluation of a student’s academic performance and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism and improper citation of sources, using another student’s work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. All academic misconduct concerns will be reported to the university’s Office of Student Conduct. Ignorance of the university’s standards and expectations is never an excuse to act with a lack of integrity. When in doubt on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact your instructor before taking a course of action.

My interactions with you are based on an expectation of mutual trust and honor. You are required to do your own work on assignments (unless I explicitly say otherwise), and it is expected that you know how to appropriately cite material sources in your writing. Violation of this trust will result in an F in this course in addition to whatever consequences the administration deems appropriate.

Library Services

The University Library provides many services in support of research across campus and at a distance. We offer over 200 electronic databases containing approximately 250,000 eBooks and 82,000 journals, in addition to the 72,000 items in our print collection, which can be mailed to students who live more than 50 miles from campus. Research guides for each subject taught at TAMUCT are available through our website to help students navigate these resources. On-campus, the library offers technology including cameras, laptops, microphones, webcams, and digital sound recorders.

Research assistance from a librarian is also available twenty-four hours a day through our online chat service, and at the reference desk when the library is open. Research sessions can be scheduled for more comprehensive assistance, and may take place on Skype or in-person at the library. Assistance may cover many topics, including how to find articles in peer-reviewed journals, how to cite resources, and how to piece together research for written assignments.

Our 27,000-square-foot facility on the TAMUCT main campus includes student lounges, private study rooms, group work spaces, computer labs, family areas suitable for all ages, and many other features. Services such as interlibrary loan, TexShare, binding, and laminating are available. The library frequently offers workshops, tours, readings, and other events. For more information, please visit our homepage:

Access & Inclusion

At Texas A&M University – Central Texas, we value an inclusive learning environment where every student has an equal chance to succeed and has the right to an education that is barrier-free. The Office of Access & Inclusion is responsible for ensuring that students with a disability enjoy equal access to the University's programs, services and activities. Some aspects of this course or the way the course is taught may present barriers to learning due to a disability. If you feel this is the case, please contact Access & Inclusion at (254) 501-5831 in Warrior Hall, Ste. 212. For more information, please visit their website at

Any information you provide is private and confidential and will be treated as such.

UNILERT: Emergency Warning System for Texas A&M University – Central Texas
UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email, text message, and social media. All students are automatically enrolled in UNILERT through their myCT email account. Connect at to change where you receive your alerts or to opt out. By staying enrolled in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information, regardless of your location.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Study Skills. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center in Warrior Hall, Suite 111. Visit and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and contact information. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you are interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830/5836, or by emailing .

Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMUCT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, click on

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is a free workspace open to all TAMUCT students. The UWC is located in 416 Warrior Hall. The center is open 11am-6pm Monday-Thursday during the spring semester. Students may work independently in the UWC by checking out a laptop that runs Microsoft Office suite and connects to WIFI, or by consulting our resources on writing, including all of the relevant style guides. Students may also arrange a one-on-one session with a trained and experienced writing tutor. Tutorials can be arranged by visiting the UWC. Tutors are prepared to help writers of all levels and abilities at any stage of the writing process. Sessions typically last between 20-30 minutes. While tutors will not write, edit, or grade papers, they will help students develop more effective invention and revision strategies.

Drop Policy

If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Warrior Web and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately? You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course.